The Astore District is blessed with truly gorgeous natural wonders. Home to Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world, and parts of the Deosai plateau, the second highest plateau in the world, the Astore District is home to several extremes.

But there is plenty more to see. Pleasant valleys offer ample opportunity for day walks and longer exploration, and in season you can pluck deliciously fresh fruits right off the tree.

Like most of Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore District is perfect for nature lovers. We urge you to explore, but be sure to always do so in a sustainable way. Our beloved country has a huge trash problem, and we ask you to be part of the solution. Don’t litter, and bring a plastic bag so you can take any trash you might find along the way.

Best time to visit Astore District

Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Astore District. In winter, roads can be blocked by snow, valleys are inaccessible, and mountains are too cold to climb.

Best things to do in Astore Valley

Astore Valley has a great many places of interest to tourists. Here is an overview of the best things to do in Astore District.

Rama Valley

Rama Valley is home to Rama Lake, and covered with pine, cedar, fir, and juniper trees. The valley is situated at 3,300 meters above sea level. Spring and summer are the best times to visit. Snow covers the valley for most of the year. The valley is also home to several species of animal, such as Ibex and musk deer.

There are several small lakes en-route to Rama Lake, and the valley is pleasant for day walks. Unfortunately, there is a lot of illegal deforestation going on in the valley, and we urge you to report any illegal logging to the proper authorities. Rama Valley is accessible from Astore and roads are in decent condition.

Rupal Valley

Home of several high peaks, Rupal Valley is ideal for the more adventurous travelers. Relatively remote, this valley faces mountain peaks on each side. Overgrazing has lead to a loss of vegetation, so expect dusty winds.

The valley itself is not accessible by car, and treks start in the village of Tarashing, in southwestern Astore. Tarashing itself is a small town with few facilities. If you plan on visiting this place, considering camping, and make sure to bring enough supplies.

Chilam

Chilam (also spelled Chilim) is the highest situated village in Astore, at 3,400 meters above sea level. It’s a small village, roughly 50 kilometers away from Astore town. The road is only accessible from May until October, due to snowfall blocking the roads at other times.

Gutumsar Valley

A beautiful pine tree-filled valley roughly 18 kilometers from Astore town. A perfect place for independent-minded travelers, as very few facilities are available. Jeeps are available from Astore, and travelers can take the Banak La pass to Gutumsar. Bring enough food and other supplies.

Best places to stay in Astore District

Astore, with its natural splendor, is a perfect place for camping. Several campsites are set up in season, and intrepid explorers who have the right gear can find their own spots as well. Remember to be a responsible camper and dispose of your rubbish properly.

Astore town

Mid-range: Kamran Hotel – Run by an amicable family, this place offers decent accommodation at reasonable rates. Offers delicious food.

Rama Meadows

Mid-range: PTDC Motel Rama Meadows – Pleasant enough PTDC right at Rama Meadows. Does everything you can expect from a PTDC Motel.

Best places to eat in Astore District

Besides the hotel restaurants and small eateries, there is little in the way of proper dining options. Make sure to bring your own supply if you go camping.

How to get to and from Astore District

Astore District can only be reached by road. Coming from the south, Astore District can be reached from the Astore Valley Road. The Astore Valley road is accessible from the Karakoram Highway, roughly 15 km beyond Raikot Bridge. Astore District is also accessible through Deosai and from Skardu.

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